BLACKFOOT — Happy Together is the 2018 theme at this year’s Eastern Idaho State Fair.

On Tuesday, Manager Brandon Bird announced the 2018 theme at a special media-day event held in Idaho Falls. The EISF will continue to open on Friday, making this annual event nine days of happiness. Take advantage of the additional day to look for all-day entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, from the grandstand events to free stage acts, from the carnival to the exhibitors, and most importantly, your favorite fair food.

The EISF returns with an incredible package deal: two nights of country concerts for one low price.

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Kicking off the Fair on Aug. 31 is Montgomery Gentry. Originally meant to mark Montgomery Gentry’s 20th anniversary, their dynamic new album, Here’s To You, now represents the triumphant start to a new legacy. On Sept. 8, Troy Gentry died in a helicopter crash at the age of 50. Despite Troy’s passing, the show will go on, according to Eddie Montgomery, the other half of the country duo.

“We talked about it a long time ago,” said Montgomery. “We both said, ‘If one of us goes down, we want the MG brand to keep going.’ I will continue to honor him and our friends.”

The album’s title, Here’s To You, is both a tribute to Troy and to the band’s rabid fans.

What’s better than one country packed evening at the fair? That’s right, two nights of incredible entertainment. On Sept. 7, Old Dominion will take the stage. The members of Old Dominion initially got together to showcase the songs they had been writing for other acts, but they formalized their arrangement as a band in 2007. Since then, Old Dominion has had many hits including “Break Up With Him,” “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart” and “Written In The Sand.” In 2016 and 2017, Old Dominion was recognized by the Academy of Country Music as Vocal Group of the Year.

Don’t miss out on this unbelievable package deal, starting at just $44. Tickets can be purchased separately starting at $39.

On Sept. 6, renowned comedian Larry the Cable Guy demands the stage. Larry the Cable Guy is a multi-platinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard award winner and one of the top comedians in the country. He has his own line of merchandise and continues to sell out theaters and arenas across the United States. Larry has won Billboard’s 2005 Comedy Artist of the year and Comedy Album of the year and he received the Billboard Top Comedy Tour Award in 2006. He is a bestselling author and his book, “Git-R-Done” (2005), debuted at No. 26 on the New York Times bestseller list. Larry was named to Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2012. This lists the hottest and most successful people in the entertainment industry. Tickets start at $39.

As the EISF returns with a revamped fair favorite: Figure 8 and Mega Truck Madness. Presented by Live A Little Productions, this event features some of the wildest figure 8 racers from the western U.S. going head to head and bumper to bumper for a chance to be crowned champion. Plus, the insane Titan Tanks Mega Trucks will battle it out in wheelies, racing and freestyle competitions. Mega Trucks are the hottest new off-road motorsport that you don’t want to miss! Prices start at $17for an adult and $10per child.

Featuring the best truck and tractor pulling vehicles from across the entire western US, Live A Little Productions presents the Western Tractor Pull Nationals. The show will feature multiple competition classes, from the 10,000-plus horsepower multi engine tractors, to ground pounding super modified 2 wheel drive pickups, and local competitors with gas and diesel pickups. Reviewed as the “Highest Energy, Highest Paced” tractor pull series in the entire US, this event will keep you on the edge of your seat with nonstop action and entertainment. Don’t miss this event on Sept. 2. Tickets start at $20 per adult and $10 per child. And don’t miss the sure to sell-out September Slam Demolition Derby, presented by the Elks Lodge on Sept. 8, with prices starting at $20 per adult, $16 per child. Demolition Derby Pit Passes are available online or at the Ticket Office in Blackfoot for $25beginning Monday, July 30.

Be Happy as the PRCA-sanctioned Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo returns to the EISF for the seventh consecutive year; presented by Idaho Project Filter. The Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo will be held Sept. 3 and 4. Ticket prices start at $17 per adult and $10 per child. Take advantage of the Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo Package and get both nights of the rodeo (fair admission included) beginning at only $25 per adult and $15 per child. Get your fill of bull riding on Sept. 1 at the Bull Riding Championships. Ticket prices starting at $17 per adult and $10 per child.

All grandstand tickets go on sale to the public on June 8. Avoid lines by purchasing tickets online at www.funatthefair.com or www.facebook.com/funatthefair, where you can choose your seat and have your tickets mailed right to your door. Pick them up in person at Vickers Western Stores in Idaho Falls or Pocatello, or you can always call or visit the EISF Ticket Office in Blackfoot at 208-785-2480, ext. 7.

These Grandstand Events and more are made possible in part by the Eastern Idaho State Fair’s two Grand Champion Title Sponsors: Bingham Memorial Hospital and Teton Auto Group.

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